ST. PETERSBURG - Shane McClanahan’s postseason is over, manager Kevin Cash announced Sunday at Tropicana Field, ending any hope the left-hander would return to help the Tampa Bay Rays pursue their first World Series championship in franchise history.
McClanahan, 29, has been sidelined since Sept. 3, when he left a start against the Rangers after feeling tightness in his left forearm. Cash was careful to draw a distinction between injury and precaution. “Shane is done for the season. He’s a healthy pitcher. We are incredibly appreciative and grateful for the contributions that he gave us to get us to this point,” Cash said. The manager added that McClanahan is expected to be ready for next season.
The shutdown closes the book on a remarkable comeback season for a pitcher who lost 2½ years to significant arm injuries. McClanahan needed a second Tommy John surgery after a start Aug. 2, 2023, then was sidelined again last season by a freak nerve injury in his left triceps that required additional surgery. This year he went 10-7 with a 3.36 ERA, 106 strikeouts and 118 innings over 24 starts. “I mean, I think he’s got to be up there for Comeback Player of the Year with the time that he missed,” Cash said.
With McClanahan unavailable, Drew Rasmussen will start Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night at Tropicana Field, coming off a strong outing against the Yankees in Game 1 of the AL Division Series. Tampa Bay swept New York in that series and will face the Cleveland Guardians, who advanced Saturday night by winning Game 5 against the White Sox. The Rays’ 26-man ALCS roster is due Monday morning, and Cash said the squad would look similar to the group assembled for the ALDS, though the club may carry an additional pitcher for the best-of-seven series after carrying only 12 in the ALDS. Candidates for the final bullpen spots include right-handers Manuel Rodríguez and Casey Legumina and hard-throwing prospect Brody Hopkins.
Freddy Peralta, Nick Martinez, Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour are expected to round out a four-man rotation, with the remaining arm available in relief. Jax, a longtime reliever who returned to a starting role during the season, said he is prepared for either assignment. “I’m just anticipating to throw in whatever capacity or role necessary,” Jax said. “It was a lot of fun last series going back to something I used to do. It’s like riding a bike.”
To stay sharp after playing only three games in the past two weeks, Tampa Bay held a six-inning intrasquad scrimmage at Tropicana Field on Saturday, complete with crowd noise, walk-up songs, umpires and the automated ball-strike system. The club also brought in reserve pitchers from its alternate site to throw live batting practice Sunday. Cash said the extended layoff made Monday’s opener welcome. “I do think it’s good that we’re playing tomorrow,” he said, “because I would imagine any more time off and then you start to get antsy.”
Game 1 of the ALCS is scheduled for Monday night at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, with Cash expected to announce the full rotation before first pitch.